The controversy surrounding Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken a dramatic turn, as new allegations and legal threats dominate Nigeria’s political landscape. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her and victimizing her for rejecting them.
Her husband, Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, has now come forward in her defense, confirming that she confided in him about the Senate President’s alleged conduct. Despite his personal intervention, he claims the harassment and political intimidation have persisted.
Natasha’s Husband statement reads;
The tension between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio became public after a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber last week. However, the matter escalated dramatically when Akpoti-Uduaghan, in an interview with Arise TV on Friday, February 28, alleged that Akpabio had previously made inappropriate advances towards her in both his office and his private residence in Akwa Ibom State.
The senator claimed that after rejecting these advances, she has faced targeted political victimization. “I have been harassed and sidelined simply because I refused to give in,” she stated.
Arogbo-Ibe Voice Reporters [AIV] gathered that the allegations have sent shockwaves through the political class, with calls for an independent probe into the matter.
In response, Unoma Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, has publicly defended her husband and taken legal steps against Akpoti-Uduaghan. She released a statement dismissing the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.
“These claims are nothing but attempts to tarnish my husband’s reputation. We will not allow such falsehoods to stand,” Unoma Akpabio stated.
Sources close to the Akpabios told AIV that the legal action aims to clear the Senate President’s name and prevent further damage to his political career.
On Saturday, March 1, Uduaghan addressed the controversy, stating that his wife had informed him about her interactions with Akpabio long before the allegations became public. According to him, he personally met with Akpabio to discuss the issue, hoping to resolve it privately. However, he claims that nothing changed.
“I stand firmly with my wife. She had spoken to me about her interactions with the Senate President, and I took it upon myself to meet with him. Unfortunately, nothing changed,” Uduaghan said in his statement.
The scandal has sparked fierce debates across Nigeria’s political landscape. Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan are demanding a thorough investigation, while Akpabio’s allies insist the allegations are politically motivated.
Human rights groups and gender activists have also weighed in, calling for accountability. A prominent women’s rights advocate, speaking to AIV, stated:
“These are serious allegations that cannot be ignored. If a sitting female senator can face such harassment and intimidation, what hope is there for ordinary Nigerian women? A full and transparent investigation must take place.”
Meanwhile, some senators have privately expressed concerns about the impact of the scandal on the integrity of the National Assembly.
As the situation unfolds, pressure is mounting on Senate leadership to address the controversy transparently. Legal experts suggest that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims could lead to formal investigations if properly pursued. However, with political interests at stake, the outcome remains uncertain.
AIV will continue to follow the story and provide updates as more information emerges.
